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It's National Apprenticeship Week

14 March 2016

This week, we're celebrating National Apprenticeship Week. The week, which runs from 14-18 March and is co-ordinated by the National Apprenticeship Service, celebrates apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the economy.

Apprentices and trainees at the Trust get involved in some great projects. From carrying out repairs and maintenance to dealing with the public in town centre offices, and from building new extra care schemes to painting houses on DIY SOS, there's never a dull moment!

Apprentices and trainees work in all areas of the business, from building, electrical, heating and renewable technology to office work and grounds maintenance, there are opportunities to suit everyone's skills and ambitions. These roles support the work of the Trust in providing excellent and ever-improving services for customers.

The theme of this year's Apprenticeship Week is 'Rise to the top!' which is fitting as some of our apprentices go on to become permanent employees and even managers. Current and previous apprentices make up 15% of our workforce.

Working with partners increases the wide ranging opportunities for people to gain experience while they earn, including furniture restoration and upcycling at Reviive and The Furniture Scheme.

The Trust's current development programme, which is creating around 5000 jobs up to 2018, also creates opportunities for many apprenticeships provided by the Trust's suppliers and contractors. Currently there are over 60 on sites where we are building new affordable homes, plus 17 apprentices employed directly by the Trust in repairs & maintenance and other areas of the business.

As part of this celebration of apprenticeship roles, we will be at The Apprenticeship Show on Thursday(17th March) giving opportunities to find out about apprentice roles at the Trust and a chance to get hands-on and have a go.

Recruitment for our next apprentice roles will start in early summer ready for starting employment in September, so this is a perfect opportunity for potential apprentices to find out more and see what skills they need.

We also offer a number of different ways into work, including work experience and 12 month work placements